In the heart of the temple was a woman, prostrated, with tears streaming down her face. Her bitter soul could only mutter the words. It was not only her stomach that was empty but her heart also. Empty of a child's love and adoration.
In the inner court of the King's house was a Jewish woman standing boldly in her royal apparel, seeking the attention of her pagan King. Her heart pounded in her chest as she considered the cost of her decision. But fearless in her conviction, as she knew that the survival of her people was at stake.
A woman, a widow, and a foreigner were in the middle of the field, following and toiling with the harvesters. She had forsaken her people to be by her mother-in-law's side. Her heritage might have turned many faces away, but her loyalty caught the eyes of the one who mattered most.
The month of May is my favorite month of the year. I enjoy this month because it is my birth month. Secondly, it is also the birth month of people I greatly treasure. Finally, it is a month filled with many celebrations.
One of these celebrations is Mother's Day when we celebrate a woman's value to her children's lives. Where we recall all the sacrifices a woman makes for the upbringing and preservation of her children. In remembrance of Mother's Day, I decided to take a closer look at the lives of three women. Women, who were bold, wise, and fearless.
The request of a wailing woman remembered
I have written about Hannah before. In my previous article, "Life between two paradises, Tales of Disappointment, " I wrote about how her barrenness brought her great disappointment and shame. This resulted in her prayerful response.1 Samuel Chapter 1, verses 10 and 11.
She was bold to pour out her bitter soul before the Lord. Courageous to believe that her anguish would catch His attention. Humble, to seek the face of the one who had shut her womb.
Her bravery did catch His attention. Her desperation did move his hand. Her anguish he not only heard but remembered.
The bravery of a gutsy Queen was honoured
A Jewish orphan raised by her elder cousin caught the eyes of a king who ruled over many provinces within the Persian Empire. The King never needed any "talking mirror" to convince him that Esther was the "fairest of them all." He took her as his wife, and she became Queen Esther.
However, there came a time when there was a threat of genocide towards her people within the Persian Empire. This was orchestrated by Haman, who wanted all the Jews to be eradicated. Compelled by the plea of her elder cousin, Mordecai, Queen Esther proposed a courageous act.
She instructed all Jews within the King's jurisdiction to fast for three days with no food or water. On the third day, Queen Esther risked the revelation of her true identity, the respect of the royal community, and her own life just to seek the favor of King Ahasuerus in letting her people live. She understood that she had to pursue her Heavenly King's favor before seeking her earthly King's favor.
Her gutsiness was honored by the Lord. He allowed her to find favour with the King. He rescued her and the Jewish remnant from the plan of the enemy.
The life of a widowed foreigner, redeemed
After her husband passed, Ruth faced a critical decision; Go back to her Moabite family, or stay by Naomi's side. She chooses the latter, knowing she may never marry again and have a family. Ruth, however, was determined to honour her words to Naomi; "For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth chapter 1 verse 16).
Ruth demonstrated her loyalty to Naomi not just in words but in action. Through loyalty, Ruth encountered Boaz. Through obedience to Naomi, she captured Boaz's heart. Through love, Boaz redeemed Ruth and took her as his bride. Therefore, the foreign widow was now drafted into a new family that continued the lineage of the Savior of the world.
Who ‘R’ you?
During March and April, my church's youth department had a bible series entitled "Who 'R' you?". We explored the character of God as revealed in the various bible stories. The stories of these three women revealed to us three important characteristics of God.
He Redeems
Our God is the ultimate redeemer. He redeemed us of all of sin’s claims on our lives. He purchased our redemption through the priceless and imperishable blood of his son.
He Rescues
God rescued us from the plans of the enemy. The enemy plans to kill and destroy us. He wants us to experience the wrath of God. However, through the blood of Jesus Christ, God has given us eternal life.
He Remembers
God remembers every wail, mutter, lament, and groan of those he loves. He promises a life where we will no longer wail, mutter, lament, and groan (Revelation chapter 21, verse 4).
I encourage you to believe/remember that it is within God's character to redeem and rescue us and to remember our cares.
Akeel Henry (West Indies) enjoys sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with all individuals. He is currently a trained Biochemist who aspires to become a physician and a pastor. If you wish to share feedback concerning his articles, his email address is ah051097@gmail.com. He can also be reached on facebook, Instagram (Akeel Henry) and on twitter (@A155_thevine).